Oleth-25

What is Oleth-25?

Oleth-25 is a synthetic polyethylene glycol ether of oleyl alcohol, featuring 25 ethylene oxide units, making it a water-soluble nonionic surfactant. Derived from plant-based oleyl alcohol, it appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid in cosmetics. Primarily featured in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and spray formulations, it operates by decreasing surface tension between oil and water. This action allows it to encapsulate oils, dirt, and fragrances within micelles, facilitating their dispersion and rinse-off. As a solubilizer, it integrates lipophilic components into watery bases for transparent, stable products. Its emulsifying properties support even blending in emulsions, contributing to mild yet effective performance in daily cleansing routines without leaving heavy residues.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Fragrance ingredient
Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Facilitates thorough yet gentle removal of oils and impurities during washing.

Enables stable incorporation of fragrances into clear, aqueous formulas.

Supports non-comedogenic cleansing suitable for various skin types.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals using daily shampoos or body washes for effective rinse-off.
Those with known sensitivity to ethoxylated surfactants.
Users of scented sprays or toners needing clear, stable products.
Individuals preferring completely PEG-free formulations.
People with normal to oily skin seeking non-pore-clogging cleansers.
People experiencing irritation from similar nonionic emulsifiers.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by environmental health assessments.
  • Assessed safe for cosmetic use by expert review panels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oleth-25

What is Oleth-25 used for in cosmetics?

It acts as a surfactant and solubilizer in shampoos, washes, and sprays to aid cleansing and stabilize fragrances.

Is Oleth-25 comedogenic?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of zero, making it unlikely to clog pores.

How safe is Oleth-25?

It scores low on hazard scales and is deemed safe by cosmetic safety experts.